Troy's season has swung hard from week to week. The Trojans dropped 55 on Southern Miss and look like an offense when things work. They have also scored 6 against Louisiana and 10 against Utah State. In the two games since the Southern Miss win, they've managed 20 points total. They're 3-4 overall and 1-2 in the Sun Belt, so a road upset of the league's best team is about the only way to save the season.
Before App State, JMU was scoring with ease. The Dukes hung 46 on Old Dominion, 45 on Marshall and 49 on Georgia State, and the only close call was a 27-24 win at Georgia Southern. Local coverage blamed mistakes for the loss in Boone more than App State simply being the better team. Still, the defense gave up 34, and a good offense can survive a lot but not 34 every week. Last time out at Bridgeforth, the Dukes held Georgia State to 22.
JMU has one injury question of its own. WR Z. Collins hurt his shoulder against Georgia State and has been questionable since. The Dukes have scored plenty without needing any one receiver, but Coleman would like all his targets back for a game they're expected to win.
The forecast calls for 53 degrees, clear skies and 2 mph of wind, so neither offense can blame the weather. The stakes are lopsided. JMU is 7-1 and needs a convincing win to stay in the Group of 6 playoff conversation after losing its unbeaten record. Troy is trying not to let its season fall apart with 3 losses in a row.